Press Briefing by Scott McClellan
July 15, 2004
Q Scott, the White House chose not to use the NAACP today as filter to get its message out to African Americans. But beyond housing issues, beyond education, many African Americans say the real civil rights issues, the teeth of civil rights issues is injustice in the Justice Department. Where has the Bush administration been with the Justice Department in helping the African American community?MR. McCLELLAN: Leading the way. As I pointed out, this administration was the first to ban racial profiling in federal law enforcement. This administration has worked to vigorously enforce our civil rights laws. We have a strong record of enforcing our civil rights laws. You mentioned just a couple of issues. I also pointed out the faith-based initiative that this President has worked on. He's worked very closely with African American leaders in communities across the nation to level the playing field so that faith-based organizations, who are about helping people in need, can compete on a level playing field with other organizations.
This is about saving lives and improving lives for those who suffer. He has also provided unprecedented leadership when it comes to fighting AIDS at home and abroad. This President has made a strong commitment to combating this pandemic.
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Q The last -- the previous Republican presidential candidate in 1996, Bob Dole, had the same problem with the NAACP's invitation. He rejected it, said, they're trying to set me up. Does the Republican Party have a problem when it comes to running for the White House and its relations with the African American community?
MR. McCLELLAN: That's why I talked about how, if you look at this President's record, it's one of inclusiveness, it's one of offering a hopeful agenda that brings America together around shared priorities. And look at the results of what we've achieved on behalf of all Americans, including the African American community. Traditionally, we recognize where the African American community has been when it comes to supporting Republican candidates, and that's why, if you look back at the President's record and look back at his -- what happened in Texas, as well, he has always worked to reach out and expand those outreach efforts, because the agenda that he has put forward is a compassionate conservative agenda that is inclusive. And he will continue reaching out to all Americans, and he will continue reaching out to the African American community, based on his vision and his agenda and his record of results.
So, according to Mr. McClellan, the Bush Administration has shown leadership on African American issues by 1) enforcing civil rights laws; 2) instituting faith-based initiatives; 3) fighting AIDS; and 4) maintaining an inclusive, compassionate conservative agenda. Just look, says Mr. McClellan, what happened in Texas.
To which we say: 1) Huh. 2) Well…. 3) Barely. 4) Ludicrous.
Just look what happened in Texas.
